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Foundations Q & A Assignment
1. Describe (in your own words) what the textbook states about development being lifelong then
reflect on how you have experienced this yourself, or observed it in another person. Include at
least 5 complete sentences, and cite appropriately any ideas you include from our textbook.
I believe that development is something that starts as soon as someone is born, and ends
whenever someone dies. This includes all characteristics of development including physical,
emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual. (Mossler, 2024, p.3). This is an experience I can
definitely relate to through my personal experiences and line of work. In myself I know that
I am always changing and developing into a new person by the things I like, the way I carry
myself and act. I used to be a person who loved staying up late, going out, loud music and
new experiences and now as I age I tend to gravitate to more quiet, calm experiences. I also
get to witness this working at a school for children with behavioral needs. When some of
these kids start they are violent, unable to comply with simple commands, and have no
regard for their lives or others. I have seen so many success stories from my students as they
develop emotionally and socially, and whenever they leave this program they are respectful,
kind, goal oriented individuals. I think people develop daily as they learn new things and
have new experiences.
2. How does our textbook describe spiritual development? Based on your personal experience
and observation do you agree that all humans are spiritual beings? Why or why not? Include at
least 5 complete sentences, and cite appropriately any ideas you include from our textbook.
When discussing spiritual development, our textbook describes it as a part of us that
embodies us to rise and succeed. (Mossler, 2024, p.5). Based on my own personal
experiences, I think all humans have the ability to be spiritual beings. I think it all goes back
to your own beliefs, environmental factors, and personal experiences. Many children are
exposed to religion and spirituality at a young age, and based on the way that is presented to
an individual shapes their beliefs on it. If you are in a family that is shoving religion and
their beliefs down your throat, you might grow up to have an aversion to that topic. If you
are raised in a family who lets you have choices and explore your own spirituality, I think
there is a higher likelihood of being a spiritual being. I personally grew up in a household
that were Christians, but that also did not force church and let me have my own beliefs. As
an adult I do consider myself spiritual in my own ways and appreciate having the option to
choose for myself.
3. Choose a sentence from the textbook that you consider significant or interesting. Copy and
paste it in the box below. Include all required punctuation marks, and include an appropriate
APA citation.
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What is the nature of reality? While we exist in a physical realm, there also exists a
supernatural realm. Ultimate reality is found within this spiritual realm; it continues to exist
whether we recognize it or not. (Mossler, 2024, p.12).
4. Rewrite in your own words (paraphrase) the sentence copied above (in #3). Include all
required punctuation marks, and include an appropriate APA citation. Remember that
paraphrasing involves completely rewriting in your own words. It is not correct to simply change
the order of words or to substitute words with similar meaning.
I used the quote "What is the nature of reality?" because it brings up a good point that there
are other realms to acknowledge. Yes we exist on a physical plane, but there is also a
spiritual or supernatural plane that will always be there whether people choose to
acknowledge it or not. I think it is just as important as recognizing reality on a physical
level. Once you are in tune with your spirituality, it will help to understand ultimate reality. I
think they go hand in hand with each other.
5. Identify one developmental theorist and (in your own words) briefly describe an important
concept from his theory. Based on your experience and observation do you believe this concept
is valid? Why or why not? Include at least 5 complete sentences, and cite appropriately any ideas
you include from our textbook.
Theorist Erick Erickson thought that personality development is created through
relationships with family members and societal influences. (Mossler, 2024, p.17). I believe
this to be true because I know that people are products in their environment. Being
influenced by the people and things around start during childhood and continue into
adulthood. I know that my mother influenced my behavior and the way I perceive things.
She was always somewhat anxious and would think things through more thoroughly than the
average person, and her being that way has definitely made me a more cautious person who
examines situations deeply. I also know I got my confidence and directness from my father
who was never afraid to tell it how it is. I think a large part of my characteristics and
personality stem from who I was raised around, my experiences and environment.
6. The textbook argues that life begins at conception. Reflect on how agreement with this
statement might influence one’s study of developmental psychology. Please include at least 5
complete sentences, and cite appropriately any ideas you include from our textbook. Note that
you are not required to agree with this position but the question must be answered within this
context.
Agreeing with the argument that life begins at conception can certainly affect studying
developmental psychology. It would mean that individual development begins at the
moment of conception instead of during birth. It means that several factors can affect the
fetus including the mothers environmental factors, health habits, or stress. Personally it does
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not make sense to say that life begins at birth, when the nine months leading up to that birth
could bring an array of issues for the fetus. I think this debate will be one that goes on
forever because not all of us will agree based on our religious or personal views.
7. Describe a concept from chapters 1 or 2 in our textbook that you found particularly surprising
or interesting. Explain why it was surprising or interesting to you. Is this concept important to
our study of human development? Why or why not. Please include at least 5 complete sentences,
and cite appropriately any ideas you include from our textbook.
When I was reading through chapter 2, something that stood out to me was Turner
Syndrome. Over the years I have known two children with this syndrome and I think it is
interesting to learn about. Learning that 99% of babies that are born with Turner Syndrome
do not survive pregnancy was surprising to me because I didn't realize that survival was so
rare. (Mossler, 2024, p.48). Learning that statistic makes me more appreciative of the time I
had with those students, who are both doing great. I think learning about these different
diseases are important to human development because being informed about different types
of people and disabilities helps foster your own understanding of others in the world and
their struggles. It gives perception to different sit
